Lehane, Dennis — These authors' works are Bleak, Atmospheric, and Gritty, and they share: the genres 'Hardboiled fiction' and 'Mysteries' and the subjects 'Private investigators', 'Murder investigation', and 'Murder'.

Parker, Robert B., 1932-2010 — These authors' works are Suspenseful, Atmospheric, and Gritty, and they share: the genres 'Hardboiled fiction' and 'Mysteries' and the subjects 'Private investigators' and 'Murder investigation'.

Ellroy, James, 1948- — These authors' works are Suspenseful, Gritty, and Compelling, and they share: the genres 'Hardboiled fiction' and 'Mysteries' and the subjects 'Private investigators', 'Former police', and 'Murder investigation'.

Coben, Harlan, 1962- — These authors' works are Suspenseful, Compelling, and Fast-paced, and they share: the genres 'Hardboiled fiction' and 'Mysteries' and the subjects 'New York City', 'Murder investigation', and 'Murder'.

Crais, Robert — These authors' works are Suspenseful, Compelling, and Intricately plotted, and they share: the genres 'Hardboiled fiction' and 'Mysteries' and the subjects 'Private investigators', 'Former police', and 'Murder investigation'.

Brandt, Harry, 1949- — These authors' works are Gritty, Compelling, and Intricately plotted, and they share: the genres 'Hardboiled fiction' and 'Mysteries' and the subjects 'New York City', 'Murder investigation', and 'Murder'.

Simmons, Dan — These authors' works are Suspenseful, Bleak, and Atmospheric, and they share: the genres 'Hardboiled fiction' and 'Mysteries' and the subject 'Private investigators'.

Izzo, Jean-Claude — These authors' works are Suspenseful, Bleak, and Atmospheric, and they share: the genres 'Hardboiled fiction' and 'Mysteries' and the subjects 'Former police', 'Murder investigation', and 'Murder'.

Hamilton, Steve, 1961- — These authors' works are Suspenseful, Bleak, and Intricately plotted, and they share: the genres 'Hardboiled fiction' and 'Mysteries' and the subjects 'Private investigators', 'Former police', and 'Murder investigation'.

Atkins, Ace — These authors' works are Suspenseful, Atmospheric, and Gritty, and they share: the genres 'Hardboiled fiction' and 'Mysteries' and the subjects 'Private investigators', 'Murder investigation', and 'Murder'.

Crumley, James, 1939-2008 — These authors' works are Bleak, Atmospheric, and Gritty, and they share: the genres 'Hardboiled fiction' and 'Mysteries' and the subjects 'Private investigators' and 'Murder investigation'.

Though the Jesse Stone mysteries are set in a small town and the Matthew Scudder mysteries in NYC, both star witty, alcoholic protagonists who chase criminals for a living. Written with plenty of grit, these hardboiled novels are fast-paced, atmospheric, and suspenseful. -- Mike Nilsson

These mystery series feature likable male protagonists who must operate according to their own moral codes, even if their choices go against the system. Corruption features heavily in these series, which also offer strong female characters and humor. -- Rebecca Sigmon

Although the Sam Acquillo mysteries are more amusing and the Jesse Stone mysteries are more spare. both star disillusioned, alcoholic men who wash up in small towns, investigating crimes. These gritty hardboiled novels boast well-crafted dialogue and sharp wit. -- Mike Nilsson

These series are Suspenseful, Atmospheric, and Gritty, and they share: the genres 'Mysteries' and 'Hardboiled fiction' and the subjects 'Massachusetts' and 'Murder investigation'. Characters are: Flawed.